Apologies for being late today! But here's the latest! Thanks for making me toe the line, Lol! :D

Pepper pulled into the dealership lot, and she and Tony exited the car. The salesman, who had eagerly been awaiting their return, had seen them approach from his position at the entrance of the showroom, and was practically vibrating with enthusiasm as he walked briskly out to greet them.

"So?" he asked, grinning excitedly. "How great is this car, huh?"

Pepper chuckled to herself at his giddiness. "Tony was right. It's...pretty great," she admitted.

"Awwww. I knew he'd be able to sway you," he gloated. He then turned to Tony. "Mr. Stark! If you're ready, I've got the paper work on my desk," he said hopefully.

Tony put up his hand to halt the over-eager salesman. "Hold up," he said. "We're not done shopping yet."

Pepper turned to look at him with surprise. "We're not?" she said in shock.

Tony shook his head. "Nope. Didn't I say we weren't here just for you?" he purred.

The salesman at this point was practically tripping over himself at the idea that he'd possibly be deducting another sold vehicle from his monthly quota that morning. "Oh, certainly, Sir! What else can I show you?" he asked, as they made their way back into the showroom.

Once they stepped inside the doors, Tony walked briskly to the object of his desires, and then stopped abruptly, staring hungrily at what was before his eyes. "This. I need it," he said decisively, swiveling around on his heels to look at the salesman, who was practically salivating over the prospective sale of the most expensive vehicle in the dealership.

It was a brand new, silver-with-black-trim R8- Audi's interpretation of a high end, luxury sports car worth well over $100,000. Pepper smirked and shook her head in realization. I should have known, she thought to herself, now fully understanding why Tony had been so eager to go car shopping first thing that morning. It was no chance happening that Tony had laid his eyes on this automobile, live and in person, and proclaimed that he needed it. She knew he followed all of the luxury automakers closely, and had probably had his eye on this car for months, waiting anxiously for production to begin so he could snatch one up the second its tires hit the glossy showroom floor. No, she had the sneaking suspicion that, under the guise of his generosity in picking out a new vehicle for her, she knew he'd seen the opportunity to be able to splurge on one for himself. And, more importantly, in front of her. Sweet and innocent, it seemed at the time, but now it appeared that Tony was only trying to show off to her, and it made her feel like he saw her as one of his nameless, mindless bimbos that were automatically impressed by his wealth and stature, clinging to him for whatever they could squeeze out of him. And suddenly, her whole sense of optimism for the day went out the window, leaving her feeling deflated, deceived, and naive.

"Of course, Sir! Right away!We just got this beauty in a couple of weeks ago!" the salesman chirped happily.

Tony smirked, and cocked an eyebrow at Pepper. "Hmmmm, ya' don't say," he replied knowingly.

But Pepper just scowled. "So, that's what all of this was about? Not an act of generosity, but a chance to throw your money around in front of me?" she said, frowning.

"Yeah. Wait, what?" he said, his expression changing from a cocky grin to one of confusion, as he was caught totally unawares by her displeasure.

The salesman was oblivious to their conversation and blurted out, "Let me get the paperwork drawn up for you on the double!"

Tony smiled politely and waved him away before turning back to face Pepper. "You were saying?" he said, frowning.

"Good thing Obadiah fired me, huh? And I was left suddenly without transportation? Otherwise, who would you have to show off for today? Oh, wait a minute," Pepper said sardonically. "There is one other person, isn't there? What? Was Vanessa not available? Surely, she would be the first choice on the list of people who you'd want with you to help blow some of your money. How I ever made that list, however, is beyond my understanding," she spouted.

"Whoa! What?! What's happening, here? Is THAT what you think this is? A set up?" Tony argued.

"That's exactly what it looks like!" Pepper retorted. "Let's not kid ourselves, Tony. You didn't just walk in here this morning with the intent of finding me a replacement vehicle, and that's it. You don't think I know you by now? You had this whole thing planned. You knew ahead of time what you wanted, for both you and I. And you could have just picked up the phone at any point and ordered it. But no. We had to rocket down here so you could show me in person, didn't you? Look at how rich you are, dropping a hundred grand on a car like your were buying a new pair of socks. Well, no more!" she cried. "I thought your intentions were pure, and that you meant you'd enjoy picking out a car with me, too, when you said this trip down here wasn't just for me. But I can see now you just needed an audience to your extravagance. And, frankly? I'm not interested. Thanks for ruining the day. I hope you thought it was worth it," she said, swiveling around and storming toward the door.

Tony was speechless. He just stared at her blankly in reply to the sudden change in atmosphere as she swiftly left his side. Then he blinked to snap out of his stupor and went after her. "Pepper, wait!" he called, running after her. "Wait! It's not like that!" he pleaded.

She stopped in her tracks and exhaled sharply. Then she reluctantly spun around to face him, her disappointment still very evident in her expression. "Pepper, look," he said. "I'm not trying to rub anything in your face, okay? I know none of this stuff impresses you..."

"Do you?" she asked skeptically, interrupting him. "Because from where I'm standing, this day is quickly becoming less about us working together to get the things you feel are necessary for me to do my job in the capacity that you need me to do it in, and more about showing me how much money you can spend in one sitting. Once I get pacified with a new vehicle, you'll speed off in your new expensive toy, leaving me in your dust, but not before tossing a credit card at me so I can gather the rest of what I need alone. Well, don't let me hold you back, Tony. There's no need to continue the charade. I'll leave you to it. Just let me know when we can get back to the task at hand," she said, turning back around to make for the door again. But Tony grabbed her arm.

"Hey! Wait a minute! You don't get to sling those kinds of accusations at me, and then not let me defend myself," he retorted. Pepper just looked at him for a moment, and then took a deep breath. She planted her feet and crossed her arms.

"I'm listening," she said expectantly.

Tony huffed. "Okay, first, what the hell?! Where is all of this coming from? I'm failing to understand why me buying a new car, that admittedly I have wanted since I heard about it a few months ago..."

"I knew it," Pepper muttered, gloating.

Tony ignored her and continued. "...while we just happen to be at the dealership buying you a new car, that, as I remember, you very much need right now seeing as how Obie stranded you, leads you to believe that I've some how bamboozled you into being in a situation that makes me a show off and you a superficial, flash-in-the-pan, tag-along."

"Because suddenly it feels like all your trying to be is my...my..." Pepper stammered. She struggled, not wanting to actually say the words that had crossed her mind.

Tony turned an ear to her, and waited expectantly for her to finish. "Your what, Pep," he cajoled.

Pepper exhaled sharply. "Sugar daddy," she mumbled, the taste of the words coming out of her mouth making her wince.

Tony winced as well, recoiling at her blatant unforgiving labeling of him. "Ouch," he said, softly, frowning.

Pepper closed her eyes, instantly regretting her harshness. She dropped her head down, and gazed at the floor for a moment before gathering up the courage to look him in the eye again. And when she did, she was surprised by his expression. An understanding smile had spread across his lips, and he nodded.

"You're a tough girl, Pep," he said with admiration. "And I'd be a fool if I didn't know by now that you're not one to accept a hand out. You like to hold your own, handle your business your own way. Am I right?" he asked.

Pepper smiled at him awkwardly, and nodded. "Y-yes," she muttered.

Tony nodded affirmatively. "Yeah, I get it," he admitted. "And all of this?" he said, gesturing around them. "What we're doing here? It's...a lot to take in, right?"

Pepper nodded sheepishly. "Sometimes, I guess I get just a bit overwhelmed with how you go about life. You and I come from very different worlds, Tony. I like life to be simple. You like it to be dramatic, extravagant, and..."

"Exciting?" Tony offered, shrugging and quirking up one corner of his mouth.

Pepper chuckled. "Well, you're definitely never boring. I'll give you that," she admitted.

"And that's all I'm trying to do, Pep. Is liven up an otherwise boring task. You're right. I could have just phoned all of this in, and had everything you need, and I want," he said, motioning to the R8 behind him. They both cracked amused smiles. "Delivered to my door. And that would've been the end of it," he said. He stepped closer to her, and looked into her eyes, shrugging. "But why not make a day of it?" he asked her. "From what I can see, we both could use a day like today. Even it is just to pick up a couple of cars and some office equipment."

Pepper smiled warmly, her cheeks blushing at her emotional display. "Only you would think buying two luxury cars in one day was as mundane and ordinary as..."

"What?" Tony said, "Buying a new pair of socks?" he teased.

Pepper blushed even more now, and Tony just grinned and chuckled. "So? If you don't mind, can this, uh, sugar daddy get back to the business at hand?" he joked.

"You're not a sugar daddy," Pepper admitted. "And I'm sorry I called you one. I see what you're doing, now, and..." she said, sighing. "I understand. You really are trying to be generous, even it is in a larger-than-life way."

"Oh, that's the best kind of way," Tony purred, cocking an eyebrow and flashing her a sly grin. Pepper giggled.

"Thank you," she said. "I really do appreciate what you're doing. I'm just not used to..."

"Someone spoiling you? Like I said, I get it, Pep. And that's an admirable quality for someone to have, if you ask me," Tony finished, smiling at her warmly.

Just then, they spotted the salesman bustling toward them with the sales paperwork. "Okay, Mr. Stark!" he cooed. "I'm ready when you are!"

Tony nodded to him in acknowledgement, and then he and Pepper chuckled under their breath to each other at the man's sheer excitement at signing two cash deals in one sitting, especially because of the giant commission he'd earn by selling the R8.

Tony offered Pepper his arm, and she gladly took it as they walked back to the sales office. "You've made this guy's year. You realize that, don't you?" she muttered, teasingly.

"Year schmear. I've just put his kids through college," he joked back.

Just then, as they were walking by the original silver coupe Pepper had been shown, she stopped them, and pursed her lips in thought.

Tony glanced between her and the car in curiosity. "What's the matter?" he asked her.

Pepper chewed her lip, hesitating. "You don't think it's too late to change my mind, do you?" she asked softly.

Tony furrowed his brow. "I thought I'd made you a fan," he replied.

Pepper held up a hand in defense. "Oh, you have. You have! But...I think I like the silver, instead," she said, wincing.

Tony grinned. "Then that's what you'll get. Easy. Done," he said simply, snapping his fingers.

"Really?" Pepper gushed, grinning.

Tony shrugged and smirked. "Of course," he said. "Besides, I can't exactly argue about your color choice," he said, turning back to look at the silver R8 that would soon be his. "You're a girl after my own heart, it seems," he teased, giving her a wink. Pepper just blushed and looked away bashfully at his words.